Reading time: 10.30 min

Hey !!👋

This week let's read about:

• What makes Leonardo Da Vinci a Universal genius

• Whatapp struggles kids have

• curiosity vs passion

Leonardo da Vinci, the universal genius, was an embodiment of the Renaissance ideal.

He was a skilled artist, inventor, scientist, anatomist, mathematician, sculptor, botanist, musician, author, and much more, making him one of the most curious individuals in history.

Due to his limited formal education, he was mostly self-taught.

He had a strong desire to learn and drew inspiration from both nature and his surroundings.

Da Vinci never settled for a single viewpoint; he examined and deconstructed objects to gain a thorough understanding of the issues he was addressing.

He would use it to record his observations, thoughts, drawings, jokes, information from people he admired, reflections on current issues, philosophical ideas, and more.

There are approximately 7,000 pages of his notes that have been preserved, which is likely only half of what he wrote.

He wrote everything in his unique mirrored handwriting.

If this intrigues you to know more about Da Vinci's learning journey, do read the full blog

Recently my son was upset when one of his close friends decided to remove him from being an admin in their whatsapp group.

This happened because he had decided not to vote in a poll created by his friend in the group.

His friend thought that he was not being supportive and had hence removed him as an admin.

This sudden change in their dynamics had my son very confused and upset.

My son was very clear that he would not vote for him just to be an admin.

He was also sure that he had not done anything wrong and thought that his friend should have respected his decision.

We also talked about respecting our beliefs over doing something just to please them.

We had a long discussion about how it is important to stand up for what one believes in and not compromise on values.

I further explained that it was good that his friend had removed him as an admin as it had allowed him to reflect on the values he held for himself.

He should not compromise his beliefs just for the sake of being accepted by anyone.

If you want to dig deeper into this topic - do read the full blog

 Elizabeth Gilbert 

When kids are solely expected to work towards a future that seems distant and unknown to them, they may struggle to connect with their education and find meaning in what they learn at school.

The pressure to achieve an abstract notion of success can create a sense of disillusionment and a lack of motivation.

However, by shifting the focus from external measures of success to encouraging kids to chase their curiosity and explore their talents, we can ignite a genuine interest in learning. Here's how it can make a difference:

1. Intrinsic Motivation: When children are driven by curiosity, their motivation comes from within. They are naturally inclined to explore and seek answers to their questions. By encouraging their curiosity, we tap into their intrinsic motivation, making them more eager to learn and discover.

2. Relevance and Personalization: By allowing kids to explore their interests and talents, their learning becomes more relevant and personalized to them. They can see how the knowledge and skills they acquire relate to their own passions and aspirations. This connection helps them understand the importance of what they're learning and how it can be applied in real-life situations.

3. Joy of Learning: Curiosity-driven learning creates an environment where kids find joy in the process of acquiring knowledge and skills. It becomes less about achieving predefined goals and more about the excitement of discovery, exploration, and continuous growth. This joy of learning sustains their motivation and fosters a lifelong love for acquiring new knowledge.

4. Strengths and Talents: When kids are encouraged to explore their talents, they develop a sense of self-awareness and confidence. This self-discovery empowers them to pursue their passions and make choices aligned with their interests.

By shifting the focus from chasing arbitrary success to nurturing curiosity and exploring talents, we empower kids to take ownership of their learning.

This approach fosters a genuine passion for knowledge, develops their strengths, and instills a sense of purpose and direction in their lives.

Ultimately, it equips them with the skills and mindset necessary to navigate their future with confidence and fulfillment.

If you want to dig deeper into this topic - do read the full blog

cheers, Priyanka

Khan Academy for maths - Adi has started using Khan Academy Maths. It can be a great tool for free learners to practice maths.7 minute watch